Variable Configuration Desk Having Worksurface Locking Feature

ABSTRACT

A furniture assembly has a worksurface and worksurface support structure. The furniture assembly is constructed such that the worksurface support structure is not locked into a desired configuration until the worksurface is secured to the worksurface support structure. The worksurface support structure includes a pair of leg assemblies between which a panel extends. The angular relationship between the leg assemblies and the panel can be adjusted, and engagement of the worksurface with the leg assemblies and the panel functions to maintain the panel in engagement with the worksurface and to lock the position of the leg assemblies relative to the panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to furniture and, more particularly, to a desk capable of varying configurations and having a worksurface locking feature.

Schools, universities, corporate training rooms, learning centers, and other education facilities traditionally have arranged student desks in rows and columns. Such an arrangement is widely recognized as providing an orderly appearance as well as being effective in influencing orderly student behavior. However, increasingly, some educational facilities are moving away from conventional row and column arrangements and adopting so-called “huddled” formations wherein student desks are arranged in a circle facing each other.

Conventional student desks designed to be arranged in rows and columns have been generally designed to have a rectangular or square worksurface with legs arranged in a similar rectangular/square configuration. However, it has been generally adopted that a student desk designed to be used in a huddled formation have a trapezoidal shaped worksurface and its legs arranged to similarly have a trapezoidal configuration.

To meet the demands of institutions using conventional desks as well as those using desks in a huddled formation, desk manufactures have had to design, make, and maintain an inventory of separate worksurface support structures for both styles of desks, which can be particularly costly. Thus, there is a need for a worksurface support structure that can be configured, as desired, to support the worksurface of a student desk used in a conventional row and column formation or the worksurface of a student desk used in a huddle formation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to a furniture assembly, such as a student desk or computer desk, having support members that connect to one another using tooth/slot connections. The furniture assembly has a worksurface that locks the tooth/slot connections when it is connected to the support members. The tooth/slot connections are constructed such that there is a limited, yet intentional play that allows the support members to be oriented relative to one another at various angles until the worksurface is secured into place. In one embodiment, the slots are oversized relative to the teeth thereby allowing movement of the teeth in the slots. Once a desired angle of orientation is achieved, the angle can be locked by securing the worksurface to the support members. Optionally, the furniture assembly includes a tray, such as book tray or keyboard tray.

Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a furniture assembly is disclosed as having a worksurface and a pair of worksurface support members. A transverse member is connected to the pair of worksurface support members. The connection of the transverse member to the pair of worksurface support members is not locked until the worksurface is connected to the transverse member and the pair of worksurface support members.

In accordance with another aspect, the present disclosure includes a desk having a worksurface and a pair of worksurface supports connected to the worksurface. Each of the worksurface supports has a first slot that is constructed to loosely retain a projection of a panel connected to the worksurface and to the worksurface supports. When the worksurface is secured to the worksurface supports and the panel, the projections are locked into position within the slots.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a furniture assembly is disclosed as having a worksurface and a plurality of worksurface support elements that are connected using a projection and slot construction, and in which the worksurface itself locks the plurality of worksurface support elements together by preventing projections from moving within respective slots.

Various other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a desk according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the desk shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is diagrammatic view of a tooth construction incorporated in the desk shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the desk shown in FIG. 1 with the worksurface support structure shown in phantom;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the desk of FIG. 1 showing partial assembly of a modesty panel to a pair of side leg assemblies;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the desk of FIG. 1 showing partial assembly of a pair of gussets to the pair of side leg assemblies;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the desk of FIG. 1 showing connection of an optional book tray to the modesty panel and side leg assemblies;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the desk of FIG. 1 showing an alternate leg assembly orientation according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial section view of the desk of FIG. 3 taken along lines 8-8 thereof; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial section view of the desk of FIG. 7 taken along lines 9-9 thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A student desk that is suited for educational settings, such as schools, learning centers, libraries, universities, corporate or other institutional training centers is described. The present disclosure is also applicable to other types of desks, including computer desks, writing desks, lecterns, and office workstations, as well as other furniture assemblies, such as dining tables, coffee tables, end tables, training tables, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a desk 10 in accordance with the present invention includes a planar worksurface or table top 12 having a generally trapezoidal shape defined by a plurality of curved edges or walls 14. The curved walls 14 are connected to one another by soft corners 16. Alternately, the worksurface 12 may be constructed to have linear walls that connect to one another at hard corners. Further, it is contemplated that the worksurface 12 may have other shapes. Additionally, the worksurface 12 may include various ornamental features, such as inlays, not illustrated in the figures. In a preferred embodiment, the worksurface 12 includes a laminate covering that is bacteria-resistant and non-porous. The worksurface may be formed of laminate, wood, metal, glass, or plastic, for example.

Worksurface 12 is supported above the floor by height-adjustable front and rear leg assemblies 18, 19. Each leg assembly 18, 19 includes an outer tubular member 20 sized to slidably receive an inner tubular member 22. Foot glides 24 are connected to the inner tubular members 22. In one preferred embodiment, the foot glides 24 snap-fit into the inner tubular members 22. Alternately, a threaded or adhesive-based connection may be used to secure the foot glides 24 to the inner tubular members 22. Alternately, the foot glides 24 may be integrally formed with the inner tubular members 22. Also, the foot glides 24 may include wheels or other rotational features for improved portability of the desk. The foot glides 24 also preferably include a leveling mechanism or feature (not shown) for leveling the desk 10, in a manner as is known.

To provide height adjustability for the worksurface 12, each outer tubular member 20 has a hole (not numbered) and each inner tubular member 22 has a series of vertically spaced and linearly aligned holes 26. To select a height of the worksurface 12, a hole 26 in an inner tubular member 22 is aligned with the hole of the outer tubular member 20 and then a pin 28 or other fastener is inserted into the aligned holes to lock the inner tubular member 22 in the outer tubular member 20. This is repeated for each leg assembly 18, 19. In one embodiment, the interior of the outer tubular members 20 includes a lip (not shown) that interfaces with a corresponding lip (not shown) formed along the exterior of the inner tubular members 22. This interfacing effectively defines a stop that prevents the inner tubular members 22 from being completely removed from the outer tubular members 20, 22 when the tubular members are not connected to one another using the above-described pin connection.

It is understood that other constructions may be used to adjust the length of the leg assemblies 18, 19. For example, the leg assemblies 18, 19 may include telescopic leg members that can be extended and then rotatably locked to provide a desired height for the worksurface 12. It is also contemplated that the desk 10 may have leg assemblies 18, 19 of a fixed length thereby providing a fixed height for the worksurface 12 above the floor.

Desk 10 also includes a pair of aprons 30, each of which is connected to a front and a rear leg assembly 18, 19. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, each apron 30 defines the spacing between the front and rear leg assemblies 18, 19 to which the apron 30 is attached. In one embodiment, each apron 30 is welded to its corresponding pair of leg assemblies 18, 19 thereby providing an integrated side leg assembly 32. It is understood, however, that the aprons 30 may be connected to the leg assemblies 18, 19 using other connection techniques. For example, the aprons 30 and the outer tubular members 20 may be secured together by fasteners, or may be cast or molded to form the integrated side leg assembly 32. Aprons 30 are formed to include perforations 34, although it is contemplated that aprons 30 without perforations may also be used.

Desk 10 optionally includes a book tray 36 spaced from the underside of worksurface 12. Book tray 36 may have a shape symmetrical to the shape of the worksurface 12. Book tray 36 has a lipless front edge 38 with the side edges partially defined by a lip 40 and a rear edge defined by a lip 41. Book tray 36 also includes a series of downwardly extending tabs 42, each defining an oval-shaped opening 44. During assembly, the oval-shaped openings 44 are aligned with corresponding openings 46 formed in aprons 30, and a fastener (not shown) such as a bolt, screw, or pin is inserted therethough to affix the book tray 36 to the aprons 30.

Book tray 36 may includes a bacteria-free, non-porous cover. The book tray 36 may be formed of laminate, wood, metal, glass, plastic, or a composite material. The book tray 36 is illustrated as being substantially planar; however, it is contemplated that the book tray 36 may include a recessed bin structure for receiving items to be stored below worksurface 12. Additionally, while only a single book tray 36 is shown, it is contemplated that the desk 10 may be constructed to have multiple book trays 36.

Desk 10 also includes a pair of gussets 48, each of which has a bracket 50 and a series of teeth 52. As will be described in greater detail below, the teeth 52 fit in slots 54 of front leg assemblies 18 thereby forming a tooth/slot connection. As will also be described, the slots 54 are larger than teeth 52 thereby allowing a certain degree of flexibility in positioning the teeth 52 in the slots 54. Each gusset 48 is shown having four teeth 52 and the leg assemblies 18 are shown as having a corresponding number of slots 54, although it is understood that tooth/slot connections with more than or fewer than four teeth/slots may be used. As shown in FIG. 1, the gussets 48 interfit with the front leg assemblies 18 forward of the front edge 38 of the book tray 36, when the desk is constructed with the optional book tray 36. Also, gussets 48 have a tapered edge 56 opposite teeth 52.

Referring to FIG. 2, desk 10 also includes a modesty panel 58 constructed to connect to rear leg assemblies 19. Modesty panel 58 includes an interior lip 60 and an upper lip 62. Modesty panel 58 also has teeth 64 that fit in corresponding slots 55 in the rear leg assemblies 19. Slots 55 are sized so as to have a slightly larger transverse dimension than that of teeth 64, which allows flexibility in positioning the teeth 64 in the slots 55. The modesty panel 58 has four teeth 64, but it is contemplated that it could have more than or fewer than four teeth.

FIG. 2A illustrates a diagrammatic view of a portion of teeth 52, 64 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each tooth 52, 64 includes a tongue 66 extending from body 68. Tongue 66 includes an upper portion 70 that projects outwardly from the body 68 and a lower portion 72 extending downwardly from the upper portion 70 and spaced from the body 68 by a cavity 74. The cavity 74 is constructed to receive the outer wall (not shown) of the leg assembly adjacent a slot 54, 55 when the tooth 52, 64 is positioned in a respective slot 54, 55.

During assembly of the desk 10, worksurface 12 is affixed using suitable fasteners, e.g., bolts, screws, pins, and the like, to side leg assemblies 32, brackets 50, and modesty panel 58. When the worksurface 12 is so secured, the teeth 52, 64 are locked into place in their respective slots 54, 55. In this regard, the tooth/slot connections described above are not locked until the worksurface 12 is secured to the side leg assemblies 32, brackets 50, and modesty panel 58. Moreover, since the slots 54, 55 are slightly wider than the teeth 52, 64, an assembler has flexibility in defining the angle of orientation between the gussets 48 and the side leg assemblies 32 and between the modesty panel 58 and the side leg assemblies 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the flexibility provided by the tooth/slot connections allows the desk 10 to be constructed such that the front opening 76 between front leg assemblies 18 may be wider than rear opening 78 between rear leg assemblies 19. In this regard, the angle of orientation 80 between gusset 48 and apron 30 is less than the angle of orientation 82 between modesty panel 58 and the apron 30. An exemplary angle of orientation between gusset 48 and apron 30 is further illustrated in FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the modesty panel 58 is shown loosely connected to side leg assemblies 32. More particularly, teeth 64 are loosely retained in slots 55 of the rear leg assemblies 18. As further shown in FIG. 4, the rear leg assemblies 18 each include planar ends 84 having an opening 86 formed therethrough. During assembly of the desk 10, the openings 86 are aligned with corresponding openings (not shown) formed in the undersurface of the worksurface 12. A screw 88 is then inserted into the planar ends 84 through the openings 86 to fixedly attach the worksurface 12 to the rear leg assemblies 18. Similarly, the upper lip 62 of the modesty panel 58 has openings 90 that align with corresponding openings (not shown) in the undersurface of the worksurface 12. Screws 92 are then inserted through the openings 90 to fixedly connect the worksurface 12 to the modesty panel 58. Connection of the worksurface 12 to the rear leg assemblies 19 and the modesty panel 58 partially locks the teeth 64 into slots 55. The teeth 64 fully lock into the slots 55 when the worksurface 12 is fixedly connected to the brackets 50 and the front leg assemblies 18, as described below.

Referring to FIG. 5, connection of gussets 48 to front leg assemblies 18 is similar to the connection of the modesty panel 58 to the rear leg assemblies 19. More particularly, as described above, the gussets 48 include teeth 52 that are sized to be loosely received by slots 54 formed in the outer tubular member 20 of the front leg assemblies 18. After the gussets 48 are connected to the front leg assemblies 18, the worksurface 12 is attached.

The front leg assemblies 18 have planar ends 94 that mate against the undersurface of the worksurface 12. Openings 96 are defined through the planar ends 94 and align with corresponding openings or markings (not shown) of the undersurface of the worksurface 12. Screws 98 extend through the openings 86 to fixedly attach the worksurface 12 to the front leg assemblies 18.

In a similar fashion, the worksurface 12 is connected to the pair of gussets 48. The gussets 48 include brackets 50 having openings 100 formed therethrough. The openings 100 are aligned with corresponding openings or markings (not shown) of the undersurface of the worksurface 12 so that a screw or other fastener 102 is inserted through the openings to fixedly attach the worksurface 12 to the gussets 48. With the worksurface 12 fixedly connected to both the front and rear leg assemblies 18, 19, the worksurface can stand upright. Moreover, the engagement between the underside of the worksurface 12 and the facing surfaces of the leg assemblies 18, 19 and aprons 30 is such that the tooth/slot connections formed between the front and rear leg assemblies 18, 19 and the modesty panel 58 and the gussets 48 are locked. In this regard, the tooth/slot connections are not locked into place until the worksurface is fixedly connected to the front and rear leg assemblies 18, 19, modesty panel 58, and gussets 48.

Referring now to FIG. 6, connection of the optional book tray to the aprons 30 and the modesty panel 58 is shown. The book tray 36 includes tabs 42 having openings 44 formed therethrough that align with openings 46 formed in aprons 30. A fastener 104 is inserted through the openings 44, 46 and secured to aprons 30. Similarly, tabs 106 extend from the back edge of the book tray 36. Similar to tabs 42, tabs 106 have oval-shaped openings 108 that align with openings 110 (FIG. 2) formed in the modesty panel 58. A screw or other fastening device 112 extends through the openings 108, 110 to secure the book tray 36 to the modesty panel 58. As noted above, the book tray 36 is optional. It is recognized that the book tray 36 may include various features not shown in the figures, such as a retractable member designed to support a keyboard.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 9, a desk 10 a is shown with the angle of orientation between the gussets 48 and the aprons 30 being at approximately right angles. It is noted that the worksurface 12 a shown in FIG. 7 is relatively rectangular in shape whereas the worksurface 12 described with respect to FIGS. 1-6 and 8 is generally trapezoidal in shape. However, the worksurface supporting structure is similar to that described above. That is, the worksurface 12 a is supported by front and rear leg assemblies 18, aprons 30, gussets 48, and modesty panel 58. However, prior to securing the worksurface 12 a to those structures, the interconnection of the teeth 52, 64 and slots 54 is such that the angles of orientation 80, 82 between the gussets 48 and the aprons 30 is approximately ninety degrees. That is, the play in the tooth/slot connections allows an assembler to adjust the angular position of the teeth 52, 64 within the slots 54, 55. When the worksurface 12 a is secured to the side leg assemblies 18, 19, aprons 30, modesty panel 58, and gussets 48 those angles are locked. In FIGS. 7 and 9, that angle is approximately ninety degrees, which results in the front leg assemblies 18 being aligned with the rear leg assemblies 19. This is in contrast to the orientation illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 8 which show the front leg assemblies 18 offset from the rear leg assemblies 19. In FIG. 7, the front opening 76 is substantially the same width as the rear opening 78. It should be understood, however, that the angular relationship between the modesty panel 58 and the aprons 30, and between the gussets 48 and the aprons 30, may be adjusted as desired, to provide a desired configuration for the desk frame. It should also be understood that the gussets 48 may be positioned so as to be non-parallel relative to modesty panel 58.

It can this be appreciated that the present invention provides a worksurface support frame having a pair of spaced-apart leg assemblies that can be oriented in either a generally parallel relationship or in a non-parallel relationship, in combination with a modesty panel that can be used in any configuration of the leg assemblies due to the adjustability provided by the tooth/slot connection between the modesty panel and the leg assemblies. The invention also provides a variable configuration frame assembly for supporting a worksurface, in which the worksurface itself functions to lock the position of the leg assemblies relative to the modesty panel when the worksurface is secured to the leg assemblies.

The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims. 

1. A furniture assembly comprising: a worksurface; a pair of worksurface support members; a transverse member connected to the pair of worksurface support members; and wherein the connection of the transverse member to the pair of worksurface support members is not locked until the worksurface is connected to the worksurface support members.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein each worksurface support member includes: a front leg assembly; a rear leg assembly; and an apron connected to the front leg assembly and the rear leg assembly.
 3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein each worksurface support member has a slot and the transverse member has a first tooth and a second tooth sized to be received within respective slots of the pair of worksurface support members.
 4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the first tooth and the second tooth are loosely retained by the respective slots until the worksurface is connected to the worksurface support members.
 5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the first tooth and the second tooth may each be positioned at one of a number of angular positions relative to the respective slots and locked at a given angular position when the worksurface is connected to the worksurface support members.
 6. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the front leg assembly and the rear leg assembly each include: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member extendable from the outer tubular member; and a locking mechanism that secures the inner tubular to the outer tubular member at a desired point of extension.
 7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the transverse member is a modesty panel.
 8. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a tray connected to the transverse member and the pair of worksurface support members.
 9. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pair of gussets connected to the worksurface and the pair of worksurface support members.
 10. A desk comprising: a worksurface defining an underside; a pair of worksurface supports connected to the worksurface, each worksurface support having a first slot; a panel connected to the worksurface and having a pair of projections, each projection sized to be engaged within a respective first slot; and wherein the underside of the worksurface engages the pair of worksurface supports and the panel to secure the projections in the slots.
 11. The desk of claim 10 wherein each worksurface support has a second slot, and further comprising a pair of gussets connected to the worksurface and each having a projection sized to be fixedly retained in a respective second slot of a worksurface support by the underside of the worksurface.
 12. The desk of claim 10 wherein the projections and the slots are configured to provide adjustment in the position of the worksurface supports and the panel, and wherein engagement of the underside of the worksurface with the worksurface supports and the panel functions to lock the positions of the worksurface supports and the panel.
 13. The desk of claim 10 wherein each worksurface support includes: an adjustable front leg; an adjustable rear leg; and an apron connected to the front leg and the rear leg.
 14. The desk of claim 13 wherein each apron has a plurality of perforations.
 15. The desk of claim 10 further comprising a pair of gussets connected to the worksurface and the pair of worksurface supports.
 16. The desk of claim 10 wherein the worksurface has a generally trapezoidal shape.
 17. A furniture assembly comprising a worksurface and a plurality of worksurface support elements that are connected using a projection and slot construction, and in which the worksurface locks the plurality of worksurface support elements together by preventing the projections from moving within respective slots within which the projections are engaged.
 18. The furniture assembly of claim 17 wherein each projection is lockable at a non-right angle relative to a respective slot.
 19. The furniture assembly of claim 17 wherein the worksurface support elements and the worksurface are arranged as a student desk.
 20. The furniture assembly of claim 17 wherein the plurality of worksurface support elements includes: a pair of side leg assemblies; a modesty panel connected in a first tooth/slot connection with the pair of side leg assemblies; and a pair of gussets, each of which is connected to a side leg assembly in a second tooth/slot connection. 